Shooters can be passed prior to a brunch, they can be nestled in ice on a buffet line or they can be pre-set on the table. Or they can be served in larger, individual servings: 4 six-ounce servings or 6 four-ounce servings. If serving individual style, save a slice of avocado for each glass and skewer it with a few blueberries for a beautiful garnish. It’s also perfect for the family on the go, just blend and pour into your favorite travel mugs!

Soy consumption for cancer patients has been the subject of some controversy. A new study has shown that breast cancer survivors who consume soy foods reap important health benefits and found that eating soy can increase the rate of survival for breast cancer patients.

According to a recent report published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), women diagnosed with breast cancer and who consumed soy foods, such as tofu, soy milk, or edamame reduced their risk of recurrence by 32 percent. 1

Previous research refuted

Previous research had produced contradictory results with some studies suggesting that soy foods reduce the risk of breast cancer and others that compounds unique to soy may help breast cancer cells to grow. Now, previous theories been refuted with this new study demonstrating that soy does not increase the growth of breast cancer cells and has been proven to increase survival rates.
Higher soy intake – lower mortality

Researchers also found that breast cancer patients who consumed soy had a 29 percent decreased risk of death, compared to women who consumed little or no soy. Xiao Ou Shu, MD, PhD, lead researcher and professor of medicine at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, TN, said, “Women who had a higher soy intake had a lower mortality and lower risk of relapse [than women with a low soy intake].”

Dr. Shu and her fellow researchers analyzed data from the Shanghai Breast Cancer Survival Study, the largest population-based study of breast cancer survival to date. The study included 5,042 women from 20 to 75 years of age and followed them for a period of four years.
Soy compounds reduce estrogen in the body

Soybeans are rich in phytoestrogens, also known as isoflavones. Although these substances are one thousand times less potent than human estrogen, there has been some concern that isoflavones may have an estrogen-like effect and may increase cancer risk.

However, many experts believe that because isoflavones fool the body into accepting the very weak compound, phytoestrogen actually competes with the human estrogen, thus reducing the overall level of estrogen in the body.
Soy is safe and potentially beneficial

An editorial accompanying this new study suggests some probable inconsistencies in prior research. The editorial attributed those inconsistencies to the fact that soy consumption in the U.S. is a good deal lower, which made the beneficial effects of consuming soy foods difficult to identify. In China, soy intake is higher and diets tend to include the intake of more traditional soy from food sources, rather than from soy supplements.

The researchers report, “The inverse association was evident among women with either estrogen receptor-positive or receptor-negative breast cancer and was present in both users and nonusers of tamoxifen.”

“In summary, in this population-based prospective study, we found that soy food intake is safe and was associated with lower mortality and recurrence among breast cancer patients.” These scientists concluded that, among women with breast cancer, soy food consumption was significantly associated with decreased risk of death and recurrence. Dr Shu and her colleagues stated, “This study suggests that moderate soy food intake is safe and potentially beneficial for women with breast cancer.”

Did you know you can quickly bake a brownie with Naturade® Total Soy? Mix 2 scoops of chocolate powder, 1/4 cup water in small bowl, bake in microwave oven about 2 minutes. Add a tsp. sugar free caramel topping and YUM – a chocolate caramel brownie for 165 calories.

Increased intakes of soy protein may reduce cholesterol levels in people with type-2 diabetes, says a new study that expands on the heart healthy potential of soy.

Consumption of 40 grams of soy protein isolate (SPI) per day for 57 days resulted in significant reductions in both LDL cholesterol and the ratio of LDL to HDL cholesterol, compared to consumption of the same dose of milk protein, according to results published in the Journal of Nutrition.

“This study provides evidence for soy as a dietary preventive strategy for adults with type-2 diabetes to reduce their cardiovascular disease risk and, in so doing, improve their quality, and possibly length, of life,” wrote the researchers, led by Alison Duncan from the University of Guelph.

The association between soy protein and blood lipid levels, led the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to approve a cardiovascular disease (CVD) reduction claim for soybean protein in 1999.

Hypercholesterolaemia has a long association with many diseases, particularly cardiovascular disease (CVD), the cause of almost 50 per cent of deaths in Europe, and reported to cost the EU economy an estimated €169bn ($202bn) per year.

“This study therefore adds to the literature through its particular emphasis on prevention by studying adults with type-2 diabetes who are free of diabetic complications and not taking glycemic or lipid-lowering mediations,” wrote Duncan and her co-workers.

Study details

Dr Duncan and her co-workers recruited 29 type-2 diabetics for their double-blind, randomized, crossover, placebo-controlled intervention study. The participants were assigned to consume a daily dose of soy protein isolate, which also contained 80 mg of aglycone isoflavones, or milk protein isolate for 57 days. At the end of the intervention they underwent a 28 day washout period prior to being crossed over to the other intervention.

The soy (Supra Soy) and milk products used were provided by Solae.

According to their findings, the soy protein intervention was associated with a significant reduction in LDL cholesterol levels of 0.17 mmol/l, a reduction in the ratio of LDL to HDL cholesterol of 0.03 points, and drops in the ratio of apolipoprotein B:apolipoprotein A-I, compared to the milk protein intervention.

Apolipoprotein B is the main apolipoprotein of LDL cholesterol and is responsible for the transport of cholesterol to tissues. In high concentrations it has been linked to plaque formation in the blood vessels, although the mechanism behind this is not clear.

“The inclusion of apolipoproteins in future soy intervention studies is highly warranted; their relevance to CVD risk is well established and there is a particular emphasis on the apolipoprotein B:apolipoprotein A-I ratio as highly predictive in the evaluation of cardiac risk,” wrote the researchers.

The ratio of total cholesterol to HDL cholesterol, reported to be the most specific lipid risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD), was not affected by the intervention, they added.

No changes in HDL cholesterol were noted by the researchers.

“These data demonstrate that consumption of soy protein can modulate some serum lipids in a direction beneficial for CVD risk in adults with type 2 diabetes,” wrote the researchers.

ST LOUIS, July 20 /PRNewswire/ — A new study published by the American Society for Reproductive Medicine finds that soyfoods and soy isoflavone supplements have no significant effect on male reproductive hormone levels in men. The literature review indicates that soy does not decrease testosterone levels.

Led by Jill M. Hamilton-Reeves, PhD, RD, of St. Catherine’s University, St. Paul, Minnesota, researchers assessed the effects of soy protein and soy isoflavones on measurements of male reproductive hormones. Findings, just published online in Fertility and Sterility, a publication of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine, demonstrate no significant effect of soy protein or soy isoflavone intake on circulating levels of testosterone, sex hormone-binding globulin or free testosterone in men.

The comprehensive meta-analysis examined the existing scientific literature including all clinical studies examining soy’s effect on male reproductive hormones published before July 1, 2008. Fifteen placebo-controlled treatment groups with baseline and ending measures were analyzed. Thirty-two reports involving 36 treatment groups were also assessed in simpler statistical models. Studies published after July 1, 2008, which were not included in the meta-analysis, support the conclusions of the meta-analysis.

Reproductive endocrinologist William R. Phipps, MD, of the University of Rochester Medical Center, a co-author of the analysis stated, “As a high-quality source of protein that is relatively low in saturated fat, soy can be an important part of a heart-healthy diet and may contribute to a decreased risk of coronary heart disease.” He noted that some men have been reluctant to consume soyfoods due to concerns about estrogen-like effects of soy isoflavones, often referred to as phytoestrogens. But according to Phipps, “it is important for the public to understand that there is no clinical evidence to support these ideas. After conducting a comprehensive review of the existing literature, we found no indication that soy significantly alters male sex hormone levels.”

Men can benefit from soyfood consumption as a means to meet daily protein requirements and at the same time possibly also reducing their risk of heart disease.

Citing the research study, Lisa Kelly, MPH, RD, of the United Soybean Board, added,

“Soy is often praised for the positive role it can play in the diets of women. But, years of clinical research have shown that men stand to benefit from soy, too. I encourage men to incorporate soyfoods into a balanced and varied diet and talk to their healthcare provider about their own unique nutritional needs.”

Naturade NRG Protein Booster is a time-tested combination of soy, milk and egg protein that supplies the complete amino acid profile your body needs to support the growth of bones and muscles. This all-natural protein blend assures that you get all the essential amino acids your body can not produce on its own, in just the right combination. You need Naturade NRG if you’re not getting enough dairy and egg products in your regular diet, especially if you’re also avoiding cholesterol and fat. In 1950, Naturade pioneered in promoting the health benefits of soy protein, with its NRG formula. Now, the Food and Drug Administration has agreed that 25 grams of soy protein daily may reduce the risk of heart disease when used in a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol. Over 40 clinical studies have shown that soy protein helps lower total and LDL cholesterol. One serving of Naturade NRG Protein Booster supplies almost two thirds of the soy protein you need daily to fight America’s number 1 killer of both men and women. Our Identity Preservation (IP) process assures you that the genetic integrity of our soybeans has been maintained throughout planting, harvesting and processing—just as nature intended. And Naturade NRG is formulated with high grade soy protein isolate without the extra fat or aftertaste of whole soybeans so you can confidently add protein to the foods and drinks you prepare with no carbohydrates and no added sugar.

You can also use Naturade NRG Protein Booster in cooking to add protein to sauces, soups, stews and casseroles or to cereals, pancakes and muffins. Vanilla Flavor has little taste so you can add it to most foods.

Description:
Soybean, classified as oilseeds, is an annual plant that does not grow more than five feet tall.

Part Used Medicinally:
Fruit

Constituents:
Soybeans contain all the essential amino acids the body requires and is therefore a complete source of protein. Soybeans do not have any cholesterol, and are high in fiber. They have many vitamins, minerals, and phytochemical compounds (isoflavones). They are a rich source of calcium, iron, zinc, phosphorus, magnesium, B-vitamins, omega 3 fatty acids and fiber. Soybean oil is one of the few common vegetable oils that contain significant amount of aLNA and omega-6 fatty acids.

Medicinal Uses:
While the soybean’s high isoflavones, genistein and daidzein content prevents cancer, some consider it as the cause for thyroid and reproductive health problems. Isoflavones, with their estrogen-like properties, alleviate certain menopausal (hot flashes) and PMS symptoms. They also have favorable effects on cognitive function, particularly verbal memory and bone mineral density in postmenopausal women. Isoflavones are good for pre-menopausal women with cyclical breast pain and protect the body from hormone-related cancers. Soybean-rich diets can reduce testosterone levels in men. It is believed to be effective in preventing prostate cancer. Soy proteins provide antioxidants, reduce artery clogging plaques, improve blood pressure, boost the immune system, and lower the risk of atherosclerosis. Soy proteins lower LDL (bad cholesterol) and decrease blood clotting (thrombosis), which reduces the risk of heart attack and strokes. Their effect on HDL (good cholesterol) has not been proven. Soybeans are effective in treating gallbladder stones and Crohn’s disease. Their soluble fiber protects the body from cancers, such as colon and rectal malignancies. Soy proteins and soluble fibers help regulate glucose levels and kidney filtration especially in nephrotic syndrome. Soy is also effective in lowering blood pressure and sugar levels in individuals suffering from type 2 diabetes.

Soy Milk
Natural soy milk contains about the same amount of protein as cow’s milk. Most commercially available soy milk is enriched with vitamins especially B12. Unlike cow’s milk it has little saturated fat and no cholesterol or casein, which many consider to be a benefit. It is also a rich source of lecithin and vitamin E.
Soy products contain sucrose as the basic disaccharide instead of galactose, it can safely replace breast milk in children with Galactosemia or in lactose-intolerant individuals. It is high in isoflavones, organic chemicals, polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats which are good for the heart.

Caution:

Soy is traditionally considered to be safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Like milk, eggs, peanuts, fish, and wheat soy can also act as an allergen.

While some studies claim soy protects against breast cancer, others show the estrogen-like effects of isoflavones may be harmful for women with breast cancer.

Soy phytoestrogens disrupt endocrine function and have the potential to cause infertility, hypothyroidism and thyroid cancer.

Soy formula has been linked to autoimmune thyroid disease in infants.

Trypsin inhibitors in soy interfere with protein digestion and may cause pancreatic disorders.